Big Tex, the iconic 55-foot tall cowboy statue, will be sporting a new wardrobe at the 2026 State Fair of Texas. The State Fair of Texas has announced a partnership with Cavender’s Boot City, which will be the Official Western Wear Store of Big Tex. As part of the partnership, Cavender’s collaborated on the design for Big Tex’s signature shirt and partnered with Western brand Resistol for Big Tex’s iconic 95-gallon cowboy hat.

Partnership Details

Cavender’s started in Pittsburg, Texas in 1965 and is based in Tyler. It is now one of the nation’s largest Western wear retailers with more than 130 stores across 19 states. Resistol was founded in Dallas in 1927 and is headquartered in Garland. The company’s iconic hats have been worn by cowboys, ranchers and celebrities like George Strait and John Wayne.

The State Fair of Texas says Resistol’s partnership is extra special because the company’s “first Western cowboy hat debuted at the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition at Fair Park, making its role as the official hat partner for Big Tex a full-circle moment nearly 90 years later.” Big Tex has been a staple at the State Fair of Texas since his public debut at the opening of the 1952 State Fair. Over the years, he has undergone several changes, including the addition of a voice in 1953, a wave in 1997, and the ability to turn his head in 2000.

Previous Outfitters

Dickies had been the outfitter for Big Tex since 1997 and last gave Big Tex a new outfit back in 2022. Before Dickies, H.D. Lee supplied Big Tex’s clothes. Big Tex was destroyed by an electrical fire in October 2012 but returned to welcome visitors in September 2013.

The 2026 State Fair of Texas, themed “Stars, Stripes, and Howdies,” will run from Friday, September 25, through Sunday, October 18. Fairgoers will be able to see Big Tex’s new look during the event.

Original reporting: Dallas – Ft. Worth Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.